James Tavernier started his career at Premier League outfit Newcastle United – can the Rangers captain turn down Steve Bruce’s Magpies?
It would take a very tempting offer to convince James Tavernier to give up his captain’s armband and walk away from Rangers. But arguably the most influential footballer in the Scottish game might just have been handed the chance to complete some rather unfinished business.
According to The Mail, Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is keen to sign Tavernier in a deal that would likely cost around £8 million.
Given all the aggro surrounding St James’ Park right now with supporters understandably infuriated with the direction their club is heading under the despised owner Mike Ashley, it would take a brave man to push for a move to perennial crisis-club Newcastle.
But Tavernier is not the sort of player who tends to shy away from a challenge. And he still might feel he has a point to prove on Tyneside.
The Bradford-born defender made his senior debut in the famous black and white stripes 10 years ago but featured just nine more times for Newcastle before he was discarded, sold to Wigan Athletic with barely a second thought.
In the last five years, however, Tavernier has dedicated himself to showing the Magpies what they’re missing.
Now, he’s one of the most influential full-backs in British football, a reliable source of goals and assists from the right-hand side who looks absolutely perfect for the new 3-5-2 system Bruce appears keen to bring in at St James’ Park.
Rangers won’t want to sell but the chance to make up for lost time at Newcastle might just have Tavernier wondering how green the grass is on Tyneside.
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